Leaks point to two 2016 Moto X phones with modular add-ons

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Motorola was in dire straits when it was acquired by Google back in 2012, as its phones failed to compete with the Galaxies and iPhones of the world. Google oversaw the launch of the original Moto X, which many feel was a turning point for the company. Now, Motorola is owned by Lenovo and it’s nearly time for a refresh of the Moto X. Multiple leaks are pointing to a radical redesign focused on a system of modular accessories, because apparently modular phones are the gimmick of 2016.

In the first of the recent Moto X leaks, we saw a device that looked very different than the last few Motorola flagships. The back panel was completely flat and made of metal, rather than the curved plastic, wood, and leather of current phones. The trademark Motorola dimple was also gone, much to my personal dismay. That small depression serves as an excellent place for your finger thanks to the ergonomics of “internal stabilization.” That’s a big help with hand-stretching phablets.

On the bottom of this rear panel we see 16 electrical contacts, and sources now say these are for connecting modular accessories called Amps. If that sounds familiar, that’s because Motorola isn’t the only OEM to have this idea in 2016. LG did something similar with the G5. On that phone, the bottom of the phone comes completely off and can be replaced with a camera grip or Hi-Fi audio module. However, you need to shut the phone off, swap the battery, and wait for it to boot back up to swap G5 modules. Those two modules aren’t even very compelling (and the Hi-Fi isn’t available in the US). Motorola’s system has the potential to be much more friendly.

According to the leaks, there will be six different attachments for the new Moto X, including a simple stylized cover that comes with the phone, a dedicated camera module with optical zoom, a pico projector, a battery pack, stereo speakers, and a wide-angle camera lens with rugged case. You’ll be able to simply snap these on the rear of the device without a full reboot. The Amps will snap onto the back of the phone, going all the way from top to bottom. They’ll probably be held in place with magnets.

Pricing will be key. LG wants $70 for the camera grip and nearly $200 for the Hi-Fi. I have a hard time believing people are going to buy very many $100-200 accessories for their phone.

We also have it on good authority now that there will be two Moto X phones this year, both compatible with the same modules. The Moto X Vector Thin (above right) will be the flagship with a 5.5-inch 1440p AMOLED, Snapdragon 820, and 4GB of RAM. The Moto X Vertex (above left) will have a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED, Snapdragon 625, and 3GB of RAM. Oddly, the Vector Thin will be so thin (5.5mm) that it’ll only have a 2600mAh battery (the current Moto X is 3000mAh). The Vertex will be a little thicker (7mm) with a 3500mAh battery. Both phones have a fingerprint sensor on the front below the screen as well.

But wait, there’s that modular capability. Even though the Moto X Vector Thin allegedly has a pretty small battery, you can just buy that battery Amp and attach it. Oh, and Motorola is ditching the stereo speakers on these phones, but you can get the stereo speaker Amp. Frankly, this is starting to sound like DLC for your smartphone. It strikes me as very strange that Motorola/Lenovo might be artificially limiting a phone in order to sell you modules.

Lenovo is set to host its Tech World event on June 9th where it will show off its new Project Tango phone, as well as something from Motorola that will “transform mobile in a snap.” That sounds like a modular phone announcement.

These accessories require the pictured electrical connectors and magnetic connectors to lock them into place.
It wouldn’t be any more complex to have a USB accessory locked into place with magnets.

Micaiah James Fonken

In all fairness, integrated smartphone speakers are never actually good. Maybe with this approach this can be circumvented. And as long as they release the Amp technology to third parties, chances are it’ll be far more appealing that DLC.

If this thing sells for $300 or so, then the add-on’s don’t seem too overpriced..

The only accessory that sounds interesting is a projector.

Kinda bummed there’s no thermal camera add-on.

Or heck, a dock with HDMI/DP, network, and a few USB. (i know, bluetooth and screen casting…..)

Or a good slider keyboard. THAT i would pay for.

David Wilson

Still no sub 5.5″ phone. I miss the form factor of the first gen moto x, and was holding out to see this year’s model to see if maybe they finally followed apple’s lead on this and came out with a smaller for factor flagship again. Guess not, oh well, I love the Moto X line, but time to look elsewhere I guess.

Mahmet Tokarev (Tajik Pride)

Does it come stuffed with Lenovo spyware too? I love my 2014 Moto X but I will never trust Lenovo. Total scam company.

Jose Salce

Exactly!. I don’t trust Lenovo and do not trust them when it comes to honor warranties. I used to recommended Moto, but I not longer do so. Moto was kind of unique (Moto display, actions, voice, customization,etc). Back to Nexus.

Lenovo’s changed big time after Superfish. They no longer preinstall bloatware. My Yoga 900 came clean with only McAfee Security preinstalled. And this is from Lenovo directly, not a Microsoft signature edition. They definitely lost a lot of trust that they will have to gain back. I can tell they’re trying hard here.

Jose Salce

I prefer a thicker phone with better battery life than a thin phone requiring a battery pack to last a day. That phone looks a lot bigger than it should be, there is too much wasted space around that button. I would prefer stereo speakers instead.

Steven Futterman

I’m totally impressed, but as someone who has been using phablets I am growing more and more tired of only seeing phones with 5.5 inch screens.

If you’re going to release two flagships, howsabout make one fit normal people hands and pockets?

The Watson

The Vertex sounds good to me. I hope Google Drops the Aria or whatever modular phone this summer! If they don’t they will miss the wave they started! I was drawn to the now ancient X2, because it was rugged & featured a supposedly revolutionary gpu… Shows how easy it is to reel people in. Looking back it wasn’t worth the cost! My main draw these days is a AMOLED Screen & a Qualcomm chip or better… I agree with USB statements. Why not have multiple type c ports? This would even allow for the coming headset revolution! Lol

Talbot

Sounds like Lenovo has done an excellent job of screwing up the Moto X in short order.

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